Best Inflatable Fishing Boat For Money

Enjoying the great outdoors can allow you to feel connected to the world and relax in ways that may have eluded you, and a great way to find that relaxation is to search out the best inflatable fishing boat for money. Rather than sitting quietly and acting as an observer, look for a hobby that can help you get the most from the experience. While there are many different hobbies to choose from, fishing has stood the test of time as one that’s still relaxing and guarantees a unique experience. Unfortunately, if you’re new to fishing, picking out the right equipment may seem a little daunting, but we can help.

Rather than allowing yourself to be overwhelmed by the available options, you should take time to research the tools to help you get the job done. Inflatable fishing boats are easier to store and transport than rigid crafts, but still offer the same performance that will allow you to develop serious fishing skills. Follow the suggestions below and build up a better understanding of the best inflatable fishing boat and find the one that best serves your needs. Research allows you to buy with confidence and guarantees successful trips out onto the water for many years to come.

Why buy an inflatable fishing boat?

When most people think about buying the best inflatable fishing boat, they picture a rigid craft hauled on a trailer or stored at a dock before it’s dropped in to the water. As a result, it’s easy to understand where many hesitate to buy a fishing boat. If you’ve never hauled a boat or if you’re unfamiliar with dock operations, an inflatable craft is a great way to ease in to the market.

Inflatable boats are incredibly portable. Rather than having to haul a full-size craft behind a large truck, you’ll likely be able to carry your boat in its own carrying case. Many of these boats fit into a case the size of a large duffle bag, allowing you to still have room to haul your fishing gear.

This portability means your inflatable boat will also be easy to store. Paying rent on a dock or for storage is an added expense for many boat owners that you’ll be able to avoid by virtue of compact storage.

Saving money doesn’t stop with storage costs. Inflatable boats are far less costly than their hardshell counterparts, which makes them an excellent choice for new fishermen or someone who fishes as a casual hobby.

What materials are used in the best inflatable boats?

Modern plastic technology allows a wide variety of materials to be used in the production of inflatable boats. PVC is the most common; the material is lightweight and stands up to potential problems caused by friction or punctures in common fishing scenarios. Most anglers who take an inflatable craft out to fish do so in relatively tranquil bodies of water, so you can be confident that a PVC craft will stand up to those elements.

If you plan to be more adventures with your expeditions, it’s worth noting that PVC can snag when it’s dry or under extreme duress. In those cases, hypalon and polyurethane crafts may be a better choice. Both materials are much stronger than commercial-grade PVC, and are more likely to stand up to encounters with brush or with dragging across shallow bottoms. This could be an important consideration if you intend to take your craft into rivers where current may take you into difficult areas.

Regardless of the material used to construct your boat, it’s important to take the time to check the adhesive used to hold the seams together. We frequently see people dealing with seam failures, and you shouldn’t be next.

Types Of Inflatable Boats

The lightest weight and most portable version of an inflatable fishing craft is the fishing float tube. These crafts are little more than an inflatable chair which helps you balance and proceed into the water. While a float tube should have room to hold equipment and a few other necessities, it provides for a solo fishing experience. Solitude can be relaxing but may not be the goal of every angler on the lake.

Fishing float tubes also run the risk of being upset in fast moving water. If you plan to fish in a body with a current or motor boats, you’re likely better served by purchasing an inflatable boat that’s designed for better balance and maneuverability.

Inflatable dinghies are a step up from float tubes and are produced in a more boat-like shape. They’re better designed to cut through the water while still providing a stable platform and also allowing more opportunity for addition of accessories. An outboard motor or a floating supply chest can be attached to some dinghies that have a significantly stronger build.

One advantage of an inflatable dinghy is you’ll be able to find one large enough to accommodate two people. If you intend for fishing to be a social event as well as a productive hobby, a two person dinghy can allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Their relatively lightweight construction allows the average dinghy to remain maneuverable and easy to transport in and out of the area you’re fishing. Still, for rougher bodies of water, a more robust construction may be necessary for stability.

If your biggest concern is tipping over in moving water, then you should consider the advantages of an inflatable pontoon boat. The pontoon design has long been upheld as the best option for stability, so in a flowing river or a lake with a great deal of wake traffic, the balanced design should help keep you upright and allow you to keep your fishing zone in one stable spot.

Because of the size of the attached pontoon floats, many inflatable pontoon boats are designed to accommodate a single fisherman. If you plan to share your trips with someone else, there are dual pontoon designs available, but they require a balanced approach to maintain stability. A wider design can interfere with the even keel that’s provided by the pontoons, so keep that in mind when selecting a craft designed for more than one fisherman.

If you’re convinced you’ll frequently have company while you fish, an inflatable canoe can be an excellent compromise. Many people hesitate to purchase hardshell canoes because of their lack of maneuverability and the difficulty of transporting and storing them, but an inflatable canoe packs all of the benefits of an inflatable boat into an easy to carry package.

While other designs may be best alone, the inflatable canoe is almost certainly best with a partner. Having two people available to paddle makes it easier for you to reach the spot you’re eager to fish from, and the stability of the canoe design makes it an excellent choice for fast moving water. The extra storage space that comes with the length of the canoe can also be helpful for fishermen who are planning to bring a wide variety of rods and tools with them on their trek.

Similar in design but more limited in space, the inflatable kayak offers the same design stability of a canoe and is easy for one person to navigate.. As with other kayaks, you can be confident you’ll have maximum maneuverability as long as you understand the basic concepts of using a solo paddle. A long kayak will also allow you to store multiple rods if that’s important for your style of fishing.

One major difference between a kayak and a canoe is the lower profile of the kayak in relation to the water. Turbulent bodies of water may present more of a risk of sloshing over into the kayak, so be sure that you’re comfortable and confident on the surface before heading out. Inflatable kayaks are generally produced as solo crafts, so they might offer the best choice for stability for a fisherman who isn’t looking for company.

How big a boat do I need?

Ultimately, this is a question that’s best answered by considering both your typical fishing habbits and the body water you’re likely to fish on. Smaller crafts are more likely to be susceptible to turbulence, though a large boat may be difficult to maneuver around difficult bends in a river or other naturally occurring obstacles. Observing other fishermen who fish around your spot and talking with locals can help develop a sense of the water, and from that, you can talk to us about your stability needs.

The social aspect of the great outdoors also comes into play when deciding on the size of your craft. For retired couples, fishing can be an excellent tandem adventure. Some people fish because they desire solitude and fishing can allow them to enjoy it in an otherwise difficult environment. While it’s a matter of personal preference, it’s also important to remember you should avoid allowing a hobby to become a frustration. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to finding your niche out on the water, but cutting corners and making sacrifices may introduce frustration where none needs to exist.

Should I buy a motor or paddles?

These decisions also come down to the surface of the water you’re planning to fish on and the construction of the craft you decide to buy. Smaller inflatable boats may have insufficient motor mounts, so it’s important to double check the components you’re purchasing are compatible with each other. Similarly, paddles which attempt to force non-aerodynamic crafts against moving water could turn out to be more of a hindrance than assistance.

Larger inflatable boats like canoes or pontoon boats are more likely to benefit from mobility accessories.Canoes and kayaks, however, will require paddles to be usable at all. A still body of water will be harder to navigate without any help, as fishing in a body of water with a current will at least put you in the natural flow of the stream as you navigate.

Top-10 Best Inflatable Fishing Boats in 2018

Looking to get out on the water and catch the big one? We’ve collected a list of our favorite inflatable fishing boats available on Amazon in 2018. A variety of designs are available, from simple tubes and pontoon boats to high-quality rafts and dinghies.

The Classic Accessories Colorado is a wonderful looking pontoon boat design with a steel frame and a swiveling seat. This inflatable fishing boat with motor has a fantastic amount of storage.

Classic Accessories builds many of the best inflatable fishing boat designs for single fishermen. The company also manufactures covers for outdoor furniture, RVs, cars, golf carts, and power equipment.

If you’re a solo angler, the Colorado might be the best inflatable boat with motor for you. It is a stable platform that lets you enjoy a day on your favorite river or lake.

The high-sitting chair provides a great view and casting platform, and the rugged design and high-quality materials mean you won’t have to worry about damage from rocks or fishing hooks.

Key Features and Benefits

Type: inflatable pontoon boat

Size: 9-foot long pontoons and a 400-pound capacity

Made of: abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and nylon tops connected with a steel frame

Source of Power: included 7-foot long aluminum oars and motor mount for electric trolling motors

Pros:

Lots of storage in the included large wire basket and built-in pockets

Cons:

One person only

For small trolling motors only

More confined storage and seating options when compared to a rowboat or dinghy fishing boat

Verdict:

The pontoon boat design of the Colorado isn’t for everyone. If you fish alone and frequent swift moving streams, creeks, and lakes, and need something more maneuverable and stable than a standard raft, the Colorado won’t disappoint.

The Cumberland float tube is a great option if you’re looking for the absolute easiest way to get on the water. This stable and sturdy float features a comfortable foam seat and a hydrodynamic design that is easy to paddle with waders and swim fins. It’s a quality inflatable boat for fishing that can easily be transported anywhere.

Classic Accessories, the same company that produces inflatable pontoon designs like the Colorado, makes the Cumberland float tube along with many others. They are made out of the same hardy materials used in the pontoon boats and come in a wide variety of color and size options.

Fishing floats are perfect for fishermen who already use waders to explore the furthest reaches of their fishing holes. A float enables the angler to wade into deeper water and provides a comfortable platform from which to relax and carry gear.

Key Features and Benefits

Type: inflatable fishing float

Size: 56 inches long with a 350-pound capacity

Made of: abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and nylon tops

Source of Power: none, use with fins

Pros:

Simple and inexpensive way to get on the water

Sturdy design and materials

Lots of small storage pockets and fishing specific gear

Cons:

Requires waders and fins

Won’t keep you dry

One person only with less space for gear than a raft or dinghy

Verdict:

For anglers who enjoy wading in creeks, rivers, and lake shores, a fishing float like the Cumberland allows you to explore deeper water. It’s an inexpensive way to expand your fishing territory, and make for a fun day on the water.

If you’re looking for a high-quality inflatable boat with lots of room for gear, you’ll want to take a look at the Killer Whale Model 330 from Inflatable Sport Boats. While the boat can be rowed with the included oars, this boat is designed to be used with up to a 15hp motor.

Inflatable Sport Boats creates a variety of dinghy style boats designed to use in rough ocean conditions. They use heat welded seams, 0.9 mm thick 1100 denier PVC material, and their boats are US Coast Guard approved.

The Killer Whale Model 330 is a great inflatable boat for fishing if you are looking to put a high-powered outboard on your boat and travel at high speeds to cover much territory. This boat can safely be operated in rough conditions in open water.

Key Features and Benefits

Type: inflatable hard-floor dinghy with a hard transom

Size: 10.8 feet long with a 1,268-pound capacity

Made of: 1100 denier PVC

Source of Power: included aluminum oars and/or up to a 15hp outboard motor

Pros:

High-quality design

Very fast when powered by a 9.9 or 15hp

Stable with considerable weight carrying capacity

Suitable for open water and rougher conditions

Cons:

More expensive and complex than rafts or tubes

Will need to be titled and registered in most states

Larger, more powerful outboards add significantly to the cost, weight, and maintenance of a small boat

Verdict:

Dinghy or tender style fishing boats are great options if you are looking for a boat that can go fast. These boats fold up small for portability and can take larger outboard motors. With their huge carrying capacity, the Killer Whale Model 330 will get you and your friends there and back again with all your gear.

This 2 person inflatable boat is a bit of a hybrid. It is designed like a tender, with a solid motor mount and lots of space to work and stand up on an air-floor. Unlike most tenders, it is narrower, with dimensions that more resemble a large kayak, making it among the best inflatable pontoon boats for fishing.

The BKS370 is perfect if you’re looking for a sturdy vessel that can be taken nearly anywhere. With the capacity to carry two people, the boat has a lot of space and is sturdy enough to stand up and fish from. With a 2.5-4 hp motor, this boat will plane quickly and add a lot of range on your hunt for the big one.

Pros:

Cons:

Narrower with a smaller capacity design compared to other tenders

Flat bottom will have less directional stability when rowing

Less stable than wider beamed tenders

Verdict:

This narrow tender is an excellent compromise between larger, more complex dinghies and simple rafts. The high-pressure air floor is more solid than most rafts but is still less stable than hard floored tenders. The narrow beam allows you to explore smaller creeks with ease.

The Sea Hawk 400 is a 4 person inflatable fishing boat that includes inflatable seats, an I-beam air floor, and a motor mount. These rafts are reasonably priced, and with the addition of some accessories like coolers with seats and custom-made plywood floors, can make the best 4 person inflatable boat at a low cost.

Intex manufactures a variety of inflatable items, from boats and water toys to air mattresses and pools. They’ve been in business for over 40 years and have offices located all over the world.

Rafts are best suited for calm lakes and slow-moving rivers and streams. They hold a lot of gear and can be easily outfitted for a great day of fishing. The optional motor mount, when coupled with an electric trolling motor, can turn this simple raft into a great fishing boat.

Key Features and Benefits

Type: inflatable raft

Size: 133 by 19.5 by 50 inches (W x H x D) and holds up to 814 pounds

Made of: super-tough 30-gauge PVC

Source of Power: included oars and an optional motor mount

Pros:

Packs down very small for easy transport

Great value

Large capacity and lots of room

Cons:

Very soft floor, you cannot stand up

Low-quality inflatable seats

Motor mount not included

Verdict:

While they carry a lot of people and gear, inflatable raft designs tend to be limited in their ability to be rowed and controlled in rough conditions. If you are looking to stand up and cast, you’ll want to find one with a hard floor.

Bestway Products HydroForce Voyager – Best Inflatable Fishing Raft

Slightly smaller than the Intex Sea Hawk raft, the HydroForce Voyager is an inflatable fishing raft suitable for two adults and one child. There’s still plenty room for your fishing gear, but the boat inflates quicker and is easier to maneuver.

Bestway Products manufactures several inflatable rafts for fishing designs along with above ground pools, inflatable furniture, and water toys.

The HydroForce Voyage is a great pick if you are looking to spend your days fishing on calm lakes and bays with one or two people. The soft air floor means you won’t be able to stand up to cast, so keep that in mind.

Key Features and Benefits

Type: inflatable raft

Size: 115 x 50 x 18 inches, and carries 594 pounds

Made of: extra strength, 3-ply reinforced vinyl

Source of Power: included aluminum oars

Pros:

Great value

Packs down to a small package for great portability and weighs only 33.1 pounds

Integrated storage and rod holders

Cons:

Soft floor that you can’t stand up on

No motor mount option

Flat bottomed raft may be difficult to row in very windy or chopping conditions

Verdict:

If you want a smaller sized raft, the HydroForce Voyage is a great pick. With room for one or two anglers and gear, keep the boat smaller means that it will be easier to transport and easier to row in open waters.

The Teton inflatable fishing tube is a no-frills fishing float from Classic Accessories, and is a great value. Lots of storage is built into the armrests, and the inflatable seat is comfortable for long days on the water.

Classic Accessories, the same company that brings you the Colorado pontoon boat and the Cumberland tube, makes the Teton. Classic Accessories makes some of the best inflatable fishing boats. The Teton features a one-year warranty.

If you are a fisherman who is used to wading into shallow waters and exploring remote areas on peaceful rivers and calm lakes, this float will give you more range and a comfortable platform. The comfortable inflatable chair and storage compartments make this one of the best rafts for fishing – and with fins, you can explore deeper waters in your favorite fishing hole.

Key Features and Benefits

Type: inflatable float tube

Size: 42.5 inches long and 40 inches wide, with a capacity of up to 250 pounds

Made of: abrasion-resistant PVC bottoms and nylon tops

Source of Power: none, use with fins

Pros:

At only 8.5 pounds, it’s super portable

Great storage compartments in the armrests

Comfortable design for long days on the water

Cons:

No propulsion options except for fins

Difficult to control in windy or choppy conditions

Won’t keep you dry

Verdict:

Tube fishing floats are a great way to relax on the water at your favorite fishing hole. With fins, you can explore a little farther from shore, but be aware that in high winds or currents these tubes can be difficult to control.

The Intex Excursion 5 person inflatable boat is listed as the top inflatable boat for fishing. This large raft carries a big load and has a lot of space for gear. With the optional motor mount and an electric trolling motor or small outboard, this boat makes a great fishing platform for lakes and bays.

Intex, who also brings you the Sea Hawk 400 and Mariner-4 rafts, brings you this five-person large raft suitable for the whole family. Intex makes rafts, boats, inflatable pools, and furniture.

If you frequent calm lakes and are looking for a raft with a large capacity, the Excursion 5 person is a great pick. This boat has enough capacity to setup however you like. Many users have made custom wood floors and seats for the boat to make a comfortable fishing platform. The motor mount and a trolling motor are great additions to this big raft.

Pros:

Cons:

Soft floor that you cannot stand on

Larger rafts can be difficult to row in windy or wavy conditions

Motor mount not included

Verdict:

The Excursion 5 person raft is perfect anglers looking to take the whole family fishing. Since it is a bigger raft, consider an optional motor mount with an electric or gas outboard to keep it under control.

The Goplus inflatable boat is available in a two or four person dinghy. These boats feature a time-tested design with a hard transom suitable for larger outboards up to ten horsepower for the 4 man inflatable boat, and hard floors you can stand on.

If you want to get into a more seaworthy dinghy style boat but don’t want to spend a lot, the Goplus boats are a great product. Suitable for fishing, exploring, or to use as a yacht tender, these boats are sturdy enough to handle rough conditions and take you wherever you want to go.

Key Features and Benefits

Source of Power: included oars or motor up to 4 hp (2 person) or 10 hp (4 person)

Pros:

Great value for a hard-transom dinghy

Very fast with an outboard motor installed

Hard bottom allows for standing up for casting

Lots of room for gear, supplies, and passengers

Rubber rub rail adds abrasion resistance to sides of the boat

Cons:

Flat bottom will not track well when rowing in windy conditions

If used with a motor, it will need to be titled and registered in most states

Larger outboards add weight and cost to the boat and make them less easily transported

Verdict:

For anglers looking to add a motor and cover a lot of distance in their inflatable boat, you can’t beat the dinghy design. These boats can handle a lot of horsepower and can move very quickly while being stable and having a large carrying capacity.

The Mariner 4 is an Intex 4 person inflatable boat with a lot of room for gear and friends. The boat comes with everything you need to hit the water: inflatable seats, oars, air pump, and even rod holders. At its low price point, the Mariner 4 might be the best inflatable boat for fishermen working on calm rivers and lakes.

Intex Recreation manufactures inflatable vessels and towables for fun days on the water. The company also makes above ground swimming pools and air beds. They’ve been in business for over 40 years.

This four-person rowboat is perfect for carrying more people or more gear. There is plenty of space for two to fish from this stable platform. Since the boat is entirely inflatable, it stores smaller than boats with frames. Unlike other raft designs, the Mariner 4 features a paneled plastic floor, making the boat more rigid and more stable.

Key Features and Benefits

Type: inflatable raft with a hard floor

Size: 10 feet, 9 inches long with an 880-pound capacity

Made of: Super Tough PVC

Source of Power: aluminum oars included and an optional motor mount

Pros:

Extruded plastic floor is the most rigid of the raft designs

Spacious with a large carry capacity

Three inflatable seats, rod holders, and motor mount fittings are included

Inflatable keel helps improve stability

Extruded plastic flooring is an upgrade over other raft designs

Cons:

Very short 30-day warranty

Hard to paddle in high winds or choppy conditions

Motor mount not included

Verdict:

The Intex Mariner 4 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get on the water with your friends. The design would not hold up to the rigors of a fast-moving river or a choppy bay, so you will want to limit your boating to calm, relaxing lakes and other protected areas if you do not add a motor.

Frequently asked questions about inflatable fishing boats

If you are new to inflatable boats, don’t be intimidated by terminology. Picking a quality vessel that’s perfect for where you fish isn’t rocket science. Here are the main questions we’ve been asked about inflatable fishing boats to help get your search started. With this information, you’ll be able to compare materials and construction techniques and find the right design of craft to catch the big one.

Are inflatable boats good for fishing?

Inflatable boats make an excellent option for fishing. They provide excellent stability and come in a wide range of hull designs perfect for any fisherman. Simple fishing tubes are great for anglers looking to take their wading one step further, and rafts make a great choice for calm rivers, lakes, and bays. If you want a sturdy boat that will be safe in all conditions and can take you a little farther a little faster, consider a dinghy design with a hard transom. These boats can take larger outboard motors and can move quickly on plane.

How long does an inflatable boat last?

The durability of inflatable boats depends on two factors: how well it is constructed and how it is used. Most inflatable vessels are made from thick PVC panels, but the construction of the seams and the thickness of materials varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A lightly used vessel that is stored most of the time indoors will provide years of use. The most damaging thing to inflatable boats is UV rays from the sun.

What materials are inflatable boats?

Inflatable vessels are usually made with very heavy-duty PVC vinyl fabric. This material is extremely puncture resistant and easily repaired. Entry level boats will have thinner material that is less resistant to puncture and wears quicker. Higher quality vessels have a thick PVC layer with other materials for maximum durability. They are designed to last for years of use.

How stable are inflatable boats?

In general, inflatable boats are incredibly stable. With large air chambers or tubes providing lots of buoyancy to the outer edges of the vessel, inflatable boats are not tippy like traditional row boats or canoes. One of the most significant factors affecting how stable a boat feels, is the construction of the floor. Hard floors with either plastic, wood, or aluminum floor boards tend to feel the most stable and allow you to stand up in the boat.

What if I want to clean my boat, is it even possible?

You should not need to clean your boat with more than simple soap and water. If it does get dirty, special inflatable boat cleaners are available that are safe to use on the vinyl. PVC is very resistant to chemicals and stains, but you will want to avoid solvents that could damage the glue and seams on your boat.

How can I protect my boat from punctures and other wear & tear?

The most effective thing to protect your boat is to keep it out of the sun when you store it. In the short term, avoiding sharp rocks, nails, and other items that can puncture your craft is critical. While the material is hardy, it is not puncture proof.

Top-10 Best Inflatable Fishing Boats in 2018 – Conclusion

If you’re looking to explore a stream, river, lake or bay a little farther, we recommend the Classic Accessories Colorado inflatable pontoon boat with motor mount. This is the best inflatable fishing boat for the money, and its stable pontoon design allows for lots of maneuverability. It is easily rowed or powered with an electric trolling motor.

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